[Nik Kaurin]

Hi,

I'm a Young Liberal in Australia (liberal in the classical not modern sense) and I will be spending the university holidays of November 2012 through to February 2013 in Canada. This is essentially a long term holiday as I haven't one for ages.

I work for a Federal MP in Australia and I am heavily involved in organisational politics through the youth wing of the Liberal Party and also the general business of Parliament through my Member.

I would really like to get involved in the Conservative Party (I don't think you have a youth wing?) while I'm in Canada. I have no ambitions as far as Canadian politics are concerned - I don't want to run for Parliament, seek a paid staffing job or anything like that. I'd just like to sink my teeth into the Tories and help in by-election campaigning, policy debate/formulation, asisst in a electorate/ministerial office and essentially participate in everything that comes with being a 'Young Tory' from the November to February period when I can.

This is my first point of research. Could you please point me in he right direction in terms of:

- Is there a formal work experience/internship programme operating in the Tories?
- If not, how do I go about securing voluntary work in a ministerial/electorate office?
- Who should I contact in terms of getting involved in what would be the categorised as the 'youth wing of the Party'?
- What are your recommendations as to how I can get the best out of the time I can dedicate to organisational politics while I am in Canada?

God Save the Queen!

Nik

EDIT: I'll be staying at a family residence in British Columbia but I can go elsewhere if it suits me better.

[beaver]